A Message from MADRA - 15 December 2020

In our town’s living memory, there has never been an event as catastrophic as the New Year’s-eve fires which engulfed our district.

We lost over 120 homes and many other properties suffered significant damage. Much of our wildlife was devastated and large tracts of our wilderness environment destroyed.

As a community, we are grieving the loss of what we loved.

We mourn the passing of Fred Becker.

We hurt for those who lost their homes, possessions and livelihoods.

We feel the trauma of volunteers who fought the fires and cleaned up in the aftermath, who
nurtured and helped those in need, who kept shops and services running.

Many people came from afar to help us and some are struggling to cope with what they witnessed.

We hope they come back and see how much was saved because of their selflessness and courage.

We miss our iconic landmarks and the small things – the historic Genoa Bridge, the quirky house, the favourite look-out, that special tree….

Our recovery will take many years but recover we will.

We are making new things to love.

We have the chance to fix some of the things which bugged us.

We are seeing new growth and the return of wildlife.

We are seeing people rebuild their lives and their homes.

We are supporting those people who are still feeling their way.

As a community, we are working collaboratively and productively on recovery projects and
initiatives.

All the ingredients are in place for us to emerge from disaster as an inclusive, vibrant, strong and safe community.

We thank the many, many people who are working hard for our recovery and generously giving their time and knowledge for our greater good.

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a better New Year.

Thanks,

MADRA
 

Photo credit: Phillipa Hamilton